The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has made a strategic squad adjustment ahead of the second leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B (CWCCLB), which begins on February 6 in Hong Kong.
Young finger spinner Joseph Baguma has been replaced by seasoned pacer Bilal Hassun in a move guided by an assessment of the playing conditions in Hong Kong, which are expected to favor pace over spin.
Chairman of Selectors Nehal Bibodi stated, “After seeing the weather and playing conditions, we noticed that they will favour pace over spin. Baguma has been talked to by Coach Abhay Sharma and Team Manager Charles Waiswa, and he clearly understands the decision. He is a disciplined player with a bright future as not just a spinner but also an all-rounder.”
The Cricket Cranes have been acclimating in Hong Kong since January 25, participating in a Tri-Series against Bahrain and hosts Hong Kong-China. Uganda finished as runners-up, losing the final by 68 runs to Hong Kong-China on February 2.
For Bilal Hassun, this is a chance to showcase his experience and growth since his last appearance for the team during the T20 World Cup. The 34-year-old has recently been playing professionally with the Kenyan outfit Kanbis, where he impressed with his pace and control.
Speaking on his inclusion, Hassun said, “I haven’t picked many wickets in Nairobi, but I have been bowling well. My lines and economy have been good. I am looking forward to giving my 100 percent for Team Uganda so that we stay at the top of the table. I thank the selectors for putting trust in me, and as a senior bowler, I will help process the plan for the bowling unit so that we get results.”
Hassun passed a fitness test at Lugogo on Monday before flying out to join the team later in the evening. The Cricket Cranes’ technical team is optimistic that this change will boost the squad’s performance as they aim to secure qualification for the next phase of the competition. Success in this tournament could propel Uganda toward the 2027 ICC World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
As of today, no further squad changes can be made unless health-related, as the final deadline for adjustments has passed.
